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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Chefs and Head Cooks

Median Salary
58,920
Job Outlook
+8%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Direct and may participate in the preparation, seasoning, and cooking of salads, soups, fish, meats, vegetables, desserts, or other foods. May plan and price menu items, order supplies, and keep records and accounts.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

81%

Self-employed

11%

Private not for profit

5%

State and local government

2%

Federal Government

1%

What is the job outlook?

Employment of chefs and head cooks is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 24,600 openings for chefs and head cooks are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$28,590

10%

$58,920

Median

$94,030

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Associate's degree

    51%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    17%

  • Bachelor's degree

    10%

  • High school

    6%

  • Less than high school

    6%

  • Some college

    3%

  • Post baccalaureate

    3%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Culinary Arts/Chef Training
  • Restaurant, Culinary, and Catering Management/Manager
  • Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
  • Baking and Pastry Arts/Baker/Pastry Chef
  • Culinary Science/Culinology

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Food Production
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Education and Training
  • Production and Processing
  • Personnel and Human Resources

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Level Of Competition

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test